How much income is required to sponsor a spouse in Canada?

People often ask, “How much money do I need to show for a spouse visa in Canada?” The surprising answer is that most sponsors do not need to meet a fixed minimum income amount. When sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner, IRCC does not set a specific salary that you must earn. Instead, the main rule under spouse sponsorship and Spouse visa Canada requirements is that you must be able to support your partner without relying on social assistance.

• Most sponsors do not have a set income requirement

There is no official “salary line” you must reach. What IRCC wants to see is that you can cover basic needs like:

• Food
• Housing
• Clothing
• Essential health costs

You must sign a 3-year undertaking promising to look after your partner. If your partner receives certain social assistance during those three years, the government can ask you to repay it.

• When income rules DO apply

A formal income check is only required in special cases involving dependent children who also have their own dependents. These rare “multi-generation” situations use LICO-based income tables to decide if the sponsor qualifies.

• What should you show to IRCC?

Even without a set number, it helps to include:

• Pay stubs
• Job letters
• Tax returns
• Bank records
• A simple budget

This proves you can realistically support your partner in Canada.

Please note that Quebec has separate rules.

If you want to learn about Canadian spousal sponsorship costs, check out our FAQ – it breaks down every expense you may encounter during the process.

If you need help understanding financial nuances for your own case or have questions regarding spouse sponsorship Canada, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with our Canadian immigration advisers. You can also check our Immigration Consultant Prices.